U.S. to Americans in Lebanon: 'Exercise extreme caution'

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This file photo shows Lebanese soldiers blocking a road leading to the U.S. embassy in Beirut last year.

U.S. citizens in Lebanon should "exercise extreme caution" in high-profile public places, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut warned Sunday.

After a string of deadly blasts in the capital, Americans need to "exercise extreme caution and to avoid hotels, Western-style shopping centers, including Western-style grocery chain stores, and any public or social events where U.S. citizens normally congregate, as these sites are likely targets for terrorist attacks for at least the near term."

The U.S. Embassy has issued warnings in the past, but this new language appears to be a strong step up in seriousness.